WHO’S THE MAYOR?: It’s a pleasant scene:...

WHO’S THE MAYOR?: It’s a pleasant scene: Democratic state Senate candidate Jack O’Connell is shown strolling near the beach in Ventura with a man identified as Mayor Don Buford. Trouble is, the mayor’s first name is Tom. . . . The flyer was distributed by the state Democratic Party. Buford took the mistake in stride. “I’ve always liked the name Don,” the mayor mused, adding, “I still support the guy.” O’Connell faces Republican Steve Mac- Elvaine in the Nov. 8 election.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: For years, Panaderia Herrara has been a favorite Oxnard bakery. Now, the family-owned La Colonia business has been immortalized in a children’s book. . . . “Pandulce,” by Kathleen Contreras of Ventura, takes youngsters on a tour of the bakery, where they sample fantastically shaped sweet breads. A Nov. 17 book signing is set for the Oxnard Library. Meantime, children have been dropping by the bakery where the book is on display to read--and eat. “It’s a nice connection between school and the community,” Contreras said.

RAISING CAPITAL: In Thousand Oaks, big-time fund-raisers have replaced old-fashioned bake sales as a way to raise money at some cash-strapped schools. (B6) Critics say the practice perpetuates an old problem--affluent schools flourish in the fund-raising game while poorer campuses often lag behind. . . . But proponents say any money coming in is better than none at all.

SPLIT DECISION: Election Day came early for some Ventura County students, who cast mock ballots on the issues their parents will decide for real next Tuesday (B1). . . . Children countywide pored over sample ballots to be prepared--probably more than their parents in some cases. Had the students been voting with their feet, the volatile Proposition 187 would win by a wide margin in the west county--but maybe not in the east. While 1,500 students walked out of west county schools last week, a student rally this week in Simi Valley drew only about 30 protesters.